(WIC is not an entitlement program. Congress does not set aside funds to allow every eligible individual to participate in the program. It is a grant program for which Congress authorizes a specific level of funding each year.)

Program Description:WIC provides specific nutritious foods, nutrition education, health care referrals to eligible pregnant women, postpartum women up to six months regardless of how pregnancy ends, breastfeeding women up to one year after delivery, (non-breastfeeding postpartum women – up to 6 months after the birth of an infant or after pregnancy ends), and infants and children up to their fifth birthday. WIC participants receive an eWIC card for the purchase of infant cereal, iron-fortified adult cereal, vitamin C-rich fruit or vegetable juice, eggs, milk, cheese, peanut butter, dried and canned beans/peas, canned fish, soy-based beverages, tofu, fruits and vegetables, baby foods, whole wheat bread, and other whole-grain products. Foods covered may depend upon the nutritional needs of the individual.

Recipients are re-certified every six months to determine if medical or nutritional risk exists. Recipients receiving WIC benefits in Connecticut must be state residents, but U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency status is not required.

Eligibility:

Pregnant and up to 6 months postpartum or up to 12 months if breastfeeding.

Child/children up to their fifth birthday.

Income at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level. (NOTE: A pregnant woman is counted as 2 when determining family size; 3 if she is carrying twins, etc.)

Must be at nutritional risk.

Must be a Connecticut resident.

It is not necessary to be a U.S. citizen or a documented immigrant. (WIC does not require proof of citizenship or alien status and participation in WIC will not affect your immigration or naturalization status).

Other WIC Information:

If applicant lives with her/his parents and he/she is not on Healthy Start/Medicaid or does not have a job, the parents income is counted.

An unborn child is counted in family size when determining income eligibility.

Being on WIC does not reduce SNAP benefits (food stamps).

Food is prescribed according to the nutritional and developmental needs of the recipients.

Participants are given appointment times for nutrition education

Many stores accept eWIC card.

WIC Unit at the Connecticut Department of Public Health authorizes retailers to be able to accept WIC checks as payment for food.

Between July and October, WIC recipients also receive $15 coupons to buy fruits and vegetables at local farmers’ markets.

The Connecticut WIC Program completed statewide implementation of the eWIC process in June 2016:

Benefits of eWIC:

A safer, easier and more convenient way for participants to shop for food

Similar to a debit/credit card with a magnetic strip

All members of the same household on WIC have their benefits on one card

Reduces errors in choosing WIC approved foods

Family can buy their food when they need it

The cash register/EBT system checks the participants available food prescription balance right then

Waiting List/Priority System:Sometimes, WIC agencies do not have enough money to serve everyone who needs WIC or calls to apply. When this happens, WIC agencies must keep a waiting list of individuals who want to apply and are likely to be served. WIC agencies then use a special system, called a Priority System, to determine who will get WIC benefits first when more people can be served. The purpose of the priority system is to make sure that WIC services and benefits are provided first to participants with the most serious health conditions such as anemia (low blood levels), underweight, and history of problems during pregnancy.

WIC participants who move from one area or state to another are placed at the top of a waiting list when they move and are also served first when the WIC agency can serve more individuals. WIC participants who move can continue to receive WIC benefits until their certification period expires as long as there is proof that the individual received WIC benefits in another area or state. Before a participant moves, they should tell the WIC office. In most cases, WIC staff will give the participant a special card which proves that the individual participated in the WIC program. When the individual moves, they can call the new WIC office for an appointment and take the special card to the WIC appointment in the new area or state.

How to Apply:Contact your local WIC office; (Note: There is no direct service at the Connecticut Department of Public Health)

Fair Hearing:Anyone who has been denied WIC eligibility has the right to a fair hearing. Request for a hearing must be made within 60 days of the denial of benefits.

To Find Providers in Connecticut’s Community Resources Database:Search by service name: WIC

2-1-1 is a program of United Way of Connecticut and is supported by the State of Connecticut and Connecticut United Ways.

Central Intake/Assessment for Substance Use Disorder

Substance Use Disorder Programs that serve as an intake for agencies which evaluate individuals who are in need of substance use services and are directed to the number of subsidized beds that may be available in the community. Some programs may also offer medical detoxification services for people who need them.